Hybrid sales in December 2011 at their highest since Japan disaster
By Julybien, 20 Jan, 2012. 0 Comments
2012 Toyota Prius V
Hybrid cars’ December 2011 sales were at their highest monthly level since March 2011, when Japan was hit simultaneously by an earthquake and tsunami causing supply disruptions. Toyota Prius’ December volume was at its highest since March 2011, and higher all other months since August 2009. Toyota’s volume is expected to beef up further when its Prius v and Prius c hits supply ramp.
Fourth quarter hybrid sales in 2011 grew five percent over 2010. Annual hybrid sales, however, dropped two percent in 2011 from 2010. Other hybrid vehicles that went on sale in 2011 were the Hyundai Sonata, Honda Insight, and Lexus CT200h. Meanwhile, plug-in vehicles’ December 2011 year-on-sales sales grew by a significant margin over December 2010.
It is to be noted, however, that sales in December 2010 sales started at a very low level. It is to be noted also that that the sales of Mitsubishi i battery electric car was included in the December 2011 figures. The main reason why sales in December 2011 were significantly higher than December 2010 is because supply of plug-in vehicles was also significantly higher.
Nissan’s LEAF was able to reach the target sales in 2011, but the company expects more from the model this year. Nissan, however, will be forced to take a financial hit to increase sales of the LEAF. The company is expected to have more LEAFs available in 2013 after it commenced production in Tennessee. When it comes to diesel cars, Volkswagen Jetta is the best seller in 2011. [source: HybridCars]
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